Taking a glance at Hobgood

Matt Hobgood took the mound today for the Gulf Coast League Orioles and made quick work of the GCL Twins, retiring the side in order in the first inning on three ground balls. Ryan Berry, a ninth-round pick out of Rice in 2009, replaced him in the second.

Hobgood, 20, had been rehabbing a strained rotator cuff at extended spring training. Today marked his return to affiliated game action.

Afterward, he tweeted the following on @Matt_Hobgood48: “Feels great to be back in games again. Arm was good and got a few GB’s. Can’t wait for my next outing.”

Hobgood, the fifth-overall selection in the 2009 draft, was 3-7 with a 4.40 ERA in 21 starts with Single-A Delmarva last season. Before today, he was 4-9 with a 4.48 ERA in 29 minor league starts, including eight with rookie-level Bluefield in 2009. He allowed 122 hits, walked 46 and struck out 75 in 120 2/3 innings.

Berry, who hadn’t pitched for an affiliate before today because of shoulder tendinitis, also retired the side in order on three ground balls in the second inning.